Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
When you get to Loch Ness and are disappointed that you didn’t find Nessie (the famous monster in the lake) there isn’t too much else to do. You might get to Inverness or Fort Augustus – but you definitely shouldn’t miss Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit. It is the ruin of a castle built in the year 1230 directly at the shore of Loch Ness. Continue reading “Urquhart Castle”
If you get into the Highlands of Scotland you will see that all signs get bilingual: the names of places are written in Gaelic and English. Gaelic is a set of three languages spoken in Ireland and Scotland. They are close to each other and quite close to the Irish language. Continue reading “Tha gradh agam ort!”
The Loch Ness is a famous lake in northern Scotland. It is the second largest lake after Loch Lomond and because of its depth it contains by far the most water of all sweetwater lakes in Scotland. At its northern end you can find the city of Inverness, in the south Fort Augustus is located. At the middle on the western shore you can find the well-known Urquhart Castle close to Drumnadrochit. Continue reading “Loch Ness”
When we went to Scotland we didn’t want to stay in Edinburgh all the time – we wanted to see the Highlands, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Therefore we rented a car at the airport of Edinburgh. I had already driven different cars in various countries around the globe but still I was a bit afraid because I never was driving on the left side of the road. Continue reading “Driving on the wrong side”
If you’re at Fort Augustus, Scotland to explore the surroundings of Loch Ness and in need of a drink, The Bothy might be the right choice for you. It is a restaurant and classic pub located directly at the Caledonian canal. You can get traditional Scottish dishes here and a good selection of ales and malt whiskies. Drop by and watch the locals chat and enjoy life. Continue reading “The Bothy”
If you want to stay close to Loch Ness the Inch Hotel in Fort Augustus, Scotland might be the right choice. I found it to be a pearl of a hotel in its unique style. It is located outside the town on a small hill with good views on Loch Ness and some Highland Cattle (Kyloe) next to it. It looks a bit old-fashioned on the inside but I really liked this traditional style. Continue reading “Cute & remote”
The Highlands are a special and beautiful area in Scotland, United Kingdom. They begin some kilometers north of Glasgow, Stirling and Dundee but exclude the eastern coast around Aberdeen. They have been less influenced by the English reign than the so-called Lowlands. Therefore the special culture has been preserved more than in the southern regions – this includes the clans, language (Gaelic) and the tradition to make whiskey. Continue reading “Discovering the Highlands”
It is one of these places in Scotland where movies and TV series have been filmed: Doune Castle, located in Doune near Stirling, Scotland. It is a medieval castle from the year 1390 which is in good condition. Author Walter Scott (look for the Scott Monument in Edinburgh) used it as a place in his book Waverley (the railway station of Edinburgh is named after it).
Continue reading “Winter is coming”
Rosslyn Chapel is a wonderful Gothic church located in Roslin, Scotland – not too far away from Edinburgh. It is a small church with the most beautiful interior I’ve ever seen; and it is really good set in scene. The chapel dates back to the 15th century CE and was built by Sir William St. Clair from 1456 on. The basic structure follows Herods temple in Jerusalem. Continue reading “Rosslyn Chapel “
It is one of these wonderful dark pubs with old furniture in Edinburgh, Scotland: Bennets bar in the Leven Street, opened in 1839. They offer a wide range of whiskies, ales and some Scottish meals. If you’re unsure what spirit to choose – the barkeeper knows best and can recommend the right drink for you. One of these places with a special atmosphere I could spend hours in. Continue reading “Bennets bar “